Enrolment

Why enrol with a PHO?

There are many benefits to being an enrolled member of a PHO.

• Fees at your regular GP are reduced
• Prescription charges – when you have a prescription from your GP filled at your usual pharmacy the fees are less
• Your practice will include you in recalls for screening and other services
• There are many additional services available to RCPHO patients that include
  • chronic disease management
  • childhood disease service liaison
  • Maori support services
  • mental health support
  • health promotion services
  • services to improve access to health services

To be eligible for these benefits people need to be enrolled with a member practice within a PHO. Practices in the RCPHO area.

The Enrolment Requirements for PHOs have been in place since 01 April 2004 and state, Enrolment Process, that:

New Enrollees

The national enrolment process occurs when a person:

1. Indicates to a provider that they intend to use that provider or PHO as their usual provider of essential primary care services
2. Is provided with information about the benefits and implications of enrolment
3. Is provided with information about where personal information is sent and how it is used
4. Agrees to provide details for inclusion on the enrolment register or confirms details already held
5. Agrees to the enrolment process by signing an enrolment form
6. Is given the opportunity to request a transfer of notes from their previous provider where a change of provider occurs.

Dependants

Authorised representatives and individuals can enroll dependants.

In the case of a dependent child under 16 years the process can be completed for them by a parent or caregiver who has custody.

In the case of other dependants, the process can be completed for them by their authorised representatives.

Casual Patients

Persons who are not enrolled with the practice to which they present for services are not entitled to the same financial benefits as those who are. This usually results in a much higher consultation fee e.g. $60 as opposed to $30 for an enrolled patient, as well as a higher charge from the pharmacy when a prescription is filled e.g. $3 for an enrolled patient as opposed to $15 for a casual patient.

For further information on enrolment:

www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/phcs-pho-enrolment

For rules as to who is eligible to be enrolled please read:

www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility